Station redo slammed for no elevators

BAY RIDGE’S R line riders got their revamped station back on Friday, better than ever after a sixmonth makeover.

Now, if only the R train service got an upgrade.

The Bay Ridge Ave. station had its grand reopening, with MTA chief Joe Lhota on hand to cut the ribbon with local elected officials.

The 102-year-old station — one of four stops on the R line that got extensive renovations — has new digital information signs, countdown clocks, charging ports for electronics, brighter lighting and artwork.

“The service is critical,” Councilman Vincent Gentile said. “It’s nice to have these surroundings and we love it, we thank you for it.”But not everyone was happy with the big unveiling, namely riders with physical disabilities.

Several people protested the grand opening because the MTA did not put in an elevator for the elderly, those who use wheelchairs or have difficulty walking on steps. Four other R line stations — 59th St., 77th St., 86th St. and Bay Ridge-95th St — will be getting elevators to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

“We couldn’t do it for this site because of the logistics,” Lhota said. “If we were able to do it, we would do it.”